People's Republic of China: Further information on torture and ill-treatment / fear for safety

15 October 1998, Index number: ASA 17/034/1998

Five nuns, Choekyi Wangmo, Tashi Lhamo, Dekyi Yangzom, Khedron Yonten and Ngawang Choekyi have reportedly died in Drapchi prison after being plaved in solitary confinement. There is no further news of Ngawang Sungrab, Gyaltsen Choephel, Ngawang Sangdrol (f), Ngawang Choezom (f), Ngawang Tenzin (f) and Tanak Jigme Sangpo who were placed in solitary confinement in May and reportedly ill-treated.

PUBLICAI Index: ASA 17/34/98

16 October 1998

Further information on UA 210/98 (ASA 17/25/98, 24 July 1998) - Torture and

ill-treatment / Fear for safety

PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

Ngawang Sungrab, aged 26, monk from Drepung monastery

Gyaltsen Choephel, aged 33, layman from Lhasa

Ngawang Sangdrol (f), aged 24, nun from Garu nunnery

Ngawang Choezom (f), aged 26, nun from Chubsang nunnery

Ngawang Tenzin (f), aged 30, nun from Gyadrag nunnery

Tanak Jigme Sangpo, aged 70, teacher

New names Choekyi Wangmo, aged 24, nun from Shar Bumpa nunnery

Tashi Lhamo, aged 24, nun from Nyemo county

Dekyi Yangzom, aged 21, nun from Nyemo county

Khedron Yonten, age not known, nun from Nyemo county

Ngawang Choekyi, aged 31, nun from Toelun Nyen nunnery

Four, possibly five, nuns reportedly died in Drapchi prison on 7 June 1998

after being placed in solitary confinement in May. This heightens fears for

the safety of prisoners who remainin solitary confinement following the violent